Gamekeeper, 47, loses both legs after Kingsclere car accident on New Year's Eve

Andy Soper was chatting to friends on Swan Street, Kingsclere, when he was struck by a silver Nissan Qashqai leaving him trapped between two cars. 

The 47-year-old, who was with his daughter and partner, had just been to pay his respects to his father who had recently died. 

Andy went into a coma and woke up to find his left leg had been amputated below the knee. Shortly after, he lost his right leg too. 

Despite everything he has been through, friends say he is taking it all "exceptionally well" and they are now fundraising to help him in his recovery. 

Andy Soper is currently at Southampton General Hospital

George Brown, who is co-ordinating a GoFundMe appeal, said: “Andy Soper sadly lost his father on December 23. He went to pay his respects to him on New Year’s Eve. Sadly whilst on the roadside, standing by his car, Andy was hit by another car.

“He has had great hospital care and raised from an induced coma three days ago. Sadly due to the injuries sustained, Andy woke up to find his left leg amputated below the knee. Unfortunately since then he has lost his right leg too due to the injuries.

“Andy is a fantastic character and taking it all exceptionally well. He is an ambassador of the countryside and very much an outdoor man. I am hoping to raise funds to enable him to enjoy his main passion to the greatest extent possible.

“He was seen daily on local farms in his Land Rover. It would be a wonderful thing if you might donate towards an adapted 4x4 for him to keep his independence and to allow Andy to keep part of his old life going. He is a value to the countryside and local community. I'm hoping to give him some of that back.”

Andy woke up to find his left leg had been amputated

Swan Street in Kingsclere where the accident happened

Another friend, Jaime Christian, said: “By giving what you can and showing your support for them you will be helping to take away one bit of worry allowing them to focus on the most important thing of getting Andy back to his lovely partner and daughter.

“I know there’s been so many well wishers for them so now please help us to show just how much we think of this awesome man and his family.”

Currently Andy is recovering in Southampton Hospital.

Mr Brown’s appeal has raised £2,154 and the target is £40,000. Mr. Christian’s page has raised £11,743 of £20,000 target.

Police are appealing for witnesses for the crash. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44200501176. 

A force spokesman said: "We’re appealing for anyone with information regarding a collision which took place in Kingsclere on Thursday, December 31, to make contact with police.

"At around 2pm, a silver Nissan Qashqai collided with a pedestrian on Swan Street.

"The pedestrian, a man in his 40s, became trapped between the Nissan and another vehicle as a result and was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment for  serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.

"Closures were put in place while emergency services worked at the scene, but were lifted shortly before 6pm.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44200501176."

How you can help

To donate to fundraising campaigns to support Andy, please visit the appeal set up by Jaime here or the appeal set up by George here.